UK pipped by Asian boiler markets

The UK is no longer the largest market for domestic boilers, with China and South Korea having recorded the most dynamic market uptake in 2016. The increasing gasification in the Asian boiler market grew in 2016 to 12.7 million units, resulting in the UK dropping to third place, according to the latest BSRIA market intelligence study.

The Chinese market driven by the roll out of the coal-to-gas policy is now the largest global market, with over 1.77 million boilers sold in 2016 and further dynamic growth expected until 2021. The Chinese market is so far dominated by wall mounted gas non-condensing boilers that accounted for 87% of the market in 2016.

South Korea also recorded good growth in 2016 and became the second largest market with over 1.75 million boilers sold, with further positive prospects until 2021. With 76% share, wall-mounted boilers accounted for the majority of the market; the share of non-condensing units is however lower than in China, with condensing technology advancing continually.

The UK has recorded sales of 1.7 million units in 2016, placing it third in the list of largest markets in 2016. With over 26 million boilers installed, there is a large replacement market where almost 100% of units sold are of gas condensing type.

In 2016, the other countries to record markets of over 1 million domestic units were Turkey and Russia, while the North American market remains a low consumer of domestic boilers, with around 400,000 units sold per annum.

In the commercial boiler market China is again the largest market, with just over 92,500 units sold in 2016, with the North American market being the second most important market and Turkey the third largest market. While China is expected to post a fair growth of over 2% in the next few years, the highest growth rate (6.6%) is expected in Russia. European commercial boiler markets are under pressure, with floor standing boilers experiencing particular difficulties.

The latest BSRIA World Heating study covering most European and world crucial markets and reporting on the five key product areas of domestic boilers, commercial boilers, water heaters, radiators and underfloor heating was published in June 2017.